Network for Reusable Take-Away Packaging
On the 19th of April, the City of Copenhagen hosted a network meeting, at which we presented the two projects regarding reuse of takeaway packaging, that we are currently working on: The EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Change (K)now! and the Innovation Pool. The Change (K)now project was presented in its entirety, yet the focus was on reusable takeaway packaging in urban areas, as it pertained to the participants. At attendance were reusable takeaway packaging operators, restaurant and café businesses, interest groups, public authorities, etcetera. You will find the list of participants at the bottom of this page.
The Innovation Pool
The City of Copenhagen is launching a 2-year innovation fund aimed at supporting innovative solutions within reusable takeaway packaging (not covered by the Bottle Deposit Regulation) in the city. The intention is for Copenhageners to have the opportunity to return, for example, their used coffee cups or food containers, after which the packaging will be washed and reused.
Change (K)now!
In January 2024, the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Change (K)now! was launched. The project aims to promote the use of reusable packaging in takeaway and catering systems while simultaneously creating social acceptance among both companies and users in connection with the transition to the reusable solution.
Both during and after the presentation the participants had a lot of valuable questions pertinent to the methodology of the project. And in the last half of the meeting, there was a sprint session, where those present had the opportunity to share their thoughts and give general feedback regarding the methodology and the specific criteria set by the municipality for the Innovation Pool.
Innovation Pool for Reusable Take-Away
Summary of general feedback
Physical Measures
The participants plead for a uniform citywide system, as many different systems might confuse the Copenhageners and prevent them from using the reuse system. Solutions to this issue could be, that the reuse-system operators must be able to receive different operators packaging; that they use uniform packaging; and make use of uniform QR or RFID. In continuation of this, the participants also stress the need for an easy return system with a proper widespread infrastructure, that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. This is to ensure that the Copenhageners will want and will easily be able to return their reusable packaging.
Using Reusable Food- and Beverage Packaging
Although the participants acknowledge that there is a need for a reuse system for both food- and beverage packaging, they point out that not all the operators have a lot of experience with this when it comes to reverse vending machines.
Communication
The participants also emphasize that communication is a key component in a successful transition from single-use take-away packaging, to reuse. To ensure a behavioral change communication must be clear and indubitable, as well as easy to access. It is also necessary to communicate precisely what purpose the reverse vending machines serve, to avoid that they are mistaken for a waste container e.g.
The Balance Between Risk and Reward
The participants raise the question: What is in it for the operators and restaurants/cafés? In terms of finances, they state that is expensive to set up a reuse system and question when they will see a reward, if they choose to make an application for the Innovation Pool. Besides that, especially the operators emphasize the importance of the timeframe – after the test period Is over, will they be able to keep their systems in the city?
Extension of deadline for applications
The feedback serves as valuable insights for the City of Copenhagen in our continuing work with transitioning to reusable take-away packaging.
In the test period we will seek to create a reuse-system that accomodates the feedback given, within the bounds of possibility. As well as evaluate on the set criteria for the Innovation Pool. For one the City of Copenhagen has decided to extend the deadline for applications for the first round of the Innovation Pool from the 19th of May 2024, to the 19th of June 2024. We have come to understand that the set criteria and the methodology of the project, among other things creates a need for more time for communication between restaurants/cafés and reuse-system operators.
List of participants
